What's an IUD Again?

We've heard from gynos that IUDs can actually be betterand saferthan popping the Pill, but we really don't know that much about them. Now that there's a third type of IUD available (it was just unveiled) we hit up ob-gyn Lauren Streicher, MD, for the lowdown.

How Does it Work?

How Does it Work?

There are two kinds of IUDs: copper (called ParaGard) and progestin (Mirena, and the new IUD, Skyla). The copper one prevents sperm from fertilizing an egg without using hormones, while the progestin in Mirena and Skyla prevents fertilization and sometimes ovulation as well. Both options are 99 percent effective against preventing pregnancy.

How Does it Get In There?

How Does it Get In There?

Contrary to popular belief, IUDs are not implanted into the lining of your uterus, but are placed inside your uterus. The 10-minute procedure can de done right in your ob-gyn's office. There's no anesthesia, but the actual insertion can be fairly uncomfortable, so it's advised to take an over-the-counter pain pill beforehand.